Day: August 28, 2023

People on both sides of the political divide are feeling tense, anxious, and overwhelmed right now. By this juncture, we find ourselves navigating a global pandemic that has persisted for over six months. While grappling with the challenges posed by the Covid-19 situation, individuals have likely developed strategies to cope with the associated anxieties. However, an additional factor is at play—an ongoing presidential election that has served to polarize families and communities, arguably generating more intense anger and frustration than previous electoral cycles. This has led individuals to express their emotions on various social media platforms, using them as outlets to convey their heightened agitation over the election and its preceding events. Various individuals have shared their sentiments, with one person noting, “The stress from the election has turned me into a culinary enthusiast,” while another lamented, “I wish my body didn’t react to stress in this manner.” Expressions like, “This current presidential election is wreaking havoc on my well-being,” further underscore the emotional toll. In recent times, the term “election stress disorder” has emerged to encapsulate the prevailing sentiment surrounding the impending election. However, it is crucial to delve into the concept’s specifics and determine whether “election stress disorder” holds a credible standing as a medical diagnosis. Presented below is essential information to illuminate this matter. Where Did the Term ‘Election Stress Disorder’ Come From? The origins of the term can be traced back to 2016 when Steven Stosny, PhD, a psychologist renowned for his work on compassion, anger, and relationships, introduced it to the public discourse. Stosny employed this term within an article published in The Washington Post. Within the article, he revealed his own experiences of being “overwhelmed” by an influx of “distress calls” from his patients during the 2016 election cycle. He pointed out that the ceaseless stream of election-related news was not only inducing stress in his patients but was also encroaching upon their personal lives. Subsequently, the term gained traction and found resonance among other individuals. Its usage has become more commonplace, particularly gaining momentum when the intensity of the 2020 election escalated as autumn set in. What Is Election Stress Disorder? It’s important to clarify that “election stress disorder” is not a formally recognized medical diagnosis. Nevertheless, individuals can certainly experience significant levels of stress surrounding elections, particularly those with high stakes. Monifa Seawell, MD, a board-certified psychiatrist based in Atlanta, emphasizes that elections are pivotal events with far-reaching consequences, impacting not only immediate communities but also states and the nation as a whole. Driven by these implications, the intensity of emotions can escalate. The current election has been marked by its notably intense nature. Thea Gallagher, PsyD, who serves as the clinic director at the Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety at the University of Pennsylvania’s Perlman School of Medicine, points out the prevalence of negative themes, including personal attacks and an overarching atmosphere of negativity. Tuning out such influences becomes challenging. The precedent for this heightened election-related stress exists. Findings from the 2016 Stress in America survey, conducted by the American Psychological Association, revealed that 52% of Americans considered the 2016 presidential election a “very” or “somewhat significant” source of stress in their lives. Evidently, a similar level of stress has resurfaced. Dr. Gallagher notes that this sentiment is increasingly manifesting on social media, with instances of friends and family members drawing relational lines based on voting choices. This social dynamic can indeed become overwhelming. In this election, the political landscape has demonstrated an unprecedented level of polarization, according to Craig A. Smith, PhD, an associate professor of psychology and human development at Vanderbilt University. The adversarial nature between the two sides, coupled with the tendency to vilify opposing positions and leadership, contributes to the perception of an essential cultural clash. Dr. Smith contends that viewing the election as a critical battle in this cultural divide can lead to heightened stress due to its potential impacts on daily life, livelihood, and core values. As such, the election’s potential outcomes can evoke extreme stress. What Does Election Stress Disorder Look Like? Stress stemming from the election can manifest in individuals much like stress arising from any other source, as Dr. Seawell explains: “It can disrupt your regular routine and create a sense of imbalance.” This disruption may lead to sleep difficulties, triggered by concerns over debate discussions, or a sense of mental preoccupation driven by election-related news. Dr. Seawell notes that election-related stress could materialize as an apprehension of missing out on the latest updates, potentially prompting frequent checks for news alerts on your phone. Dr. Gallagher underscores that this stress could also manifest as heightened irritability and moodiness. She further highlights that individuals might experience anxiety when interacting with people holding differing political viewpoints, due to concerns about sensitive topics arising in conversation. How To Cope With Election Stress Disorder Addressing this situation can be approached in several ways. According to Dr. Smith, one approach is to take proactive steps to contribute to the desired outcome of the election. This might entail volunteering for causes aligned with your values, participating in campaigns for your preferred candidate, or engaging with organizations that promote voter engagement. While pursuing these actions, it’s crucial not to disregard the broader aspects of your life. Dr. Seawell advises finding a harmonious balance between active political involvement and maintaining a diversified lifestyle that encompasses various interests and activities. A second strategy involves consciously taking breaks when you sense that election-related news or discussions are becoming overwhelming. Dr. Smith suggests disconnecting from the news cycle and engaging in activities such as spending time with loved ones (virtually or in person), indulging in non-political reading, or watching a movie. Dr. Gallagher recommends refraining from getting involved in online arguments on platforms like Facebook or Twitter, as these exchanges can often be fraught with negativity due to the anonymity factor. She suggests actively avoiding such stress-inducing interactions to preserve your mental well-being. In the grand scheme of things,